Heir to the Moon (V2)

II.V Magical Exhaustion

The Great Hall's enchanted ceiling, a canvas of soft twilight hues, cast a calming glow over the sea of first-year students. Their murmur rose and fell like the gentle tide of an ocean, rippling through the ancient stones of Hogwarts. Among them, Harry Potter, with his untidy black hair framing his distinct lightning-shaped scar, was a study in concentration. His gaze flitted from Susan Bones, whose amiable chatter provided a pleasant backdrop, to Daphne Greengrass, whose blonde tresses seemed to capture the last rays of an unseen sun.

"Harry, did you see that gnome in Herbology today?" Susan giggled, her voice threading through the air. "I thought Professor Sprout was going to hex it into next week!"

"Almost as entertaining as our Charms lesson," Harry replied with a grin, his silver eyes twinkling mischievously. Yet, inwardly, he marvelled at the everyday magic that had become his new reality.

As laughter punctuated their conversation, the double doors creaked open, and Madam Pomfrey, the school's matron with her starched white cap and apron, bustled in. Her presence commanded immediate attention; she was both the harbinger of soothing potions and stern bedrest orders.

"First years, today we are going to go over a mandatory lesson all first years need to know" began Madam Pomfrey. "Magical Exhaustion affects everyone, Muggleborns, Half-bloods, and Purebloods."

"I bet it affects mud-bloods more" snickered Malfoy.

"Detention Mr. Malfoy, and 100 points from Slytherin," said Professor Sprout.

Ignoring the interruption, Madam Pomfrey continued. "Your magic is analogous to a muscle - with regular exercise, your magical core expands and strengthens. However, it's not just about magical training. A balanced diet and regular physical exercise play an integral part in determining the size and strength of your magic core," she lectured.

She took a breath and asked, "So, who can explain what happens when your magic core is depleted?"

Among the sea of hesitant faces, Susan Bones confidently raised her hand. Madam Pomfrey nodded, prompting her to answer. "You enter a state called Magical Exhaustion."

"Excellent, Ms. Bones. That's a point for Hufflepuff," Madam Pomfrey praised, before elaborating. "When you enter the first stage of magical exhaustion. It leaves you feeling tired, but a good night's rest should restore your energy."

She continued, "However if you reach the second stage. It takes 1 to 3 days of magical abstinence to recover. Now, can anyone tell me the difference between being tired and exhausted?"

This time, Lisa Turpin chimed in. "While 'tired' signifies a loss of energy or strength, 'exhausted' indicates an extreme level of fatigue. An exhausted person needs immediate rest, unlike someone who is merely tired."

"Correct, Ms. Turpin. That's a point for Ravenclaw," Madam Pomfrey acknowledged, adding, "If you end up in my infirmary in the second stage, you'll be required to rest for a minimum of three days, regardless of your protests."

She then delved into the third stage of magical exhaustion. "if you end up in the third stage. The symptoms now include coughing, along with exhaustion, and it requires 4 to 6 days of rest without magic use," she explained, her gaze locked onto Draco Malfoy. "Mr. Malfoy, can you tell me the difference between stages two and three?"

Caught off guard, Draco could only stutter, "I don't know, Ma'am."

Madam Pomfrey used the moment to drive home a point. "Then perhaps you should pay more attention, take notes, and save the chitchat for later. ten points from Slytherin."

Moving onto the fourth stage, she explained, "In the fourth stage you experience exhaustion, coughing, and even nausea. This is when your magic core starts getting damaged. Recovery requires 1 to 2 weeks of rest."